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October 1, 1962

Transcript of the Conversation between N.S. Khrushchev and a Gandhi Peace Foundation (India) Delegation

On October 1, 1962, N.S. Khrushchev met with a delegation from India’s Gandhi Peace Foundation to discuss nuclear disarmament and ongoing arms negotiations. The delegation presented concerns about nuclear testing and urged the Soviet Union to take unilateral steps toward disarmament. Khrushchev responded that while the USSR was willing to sign an agreement to halt nuclear testing, the United States' refusal to accept verification measures and continued military expansion made such an agreement difficult. The conversation also covered US foreign policy, Soviet-Indian relations, and global security issues.

Date unknown

RF MFA Department of Information and Press, 'Concerning Western Assessments of the Position of Ukraine on Nuclear Weapons (Information)'

As of April 1993, Western observers expressed growing concern over Ukraine's inconsistent stance on nuclear disarmament, particularly its hesitation to ratify START-1 and join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Ukraine's conditional approach to denuclearization was criticized as extortionate, risking strained relations with the West and delaying global disarmament efforts. While some countries supported Ukraine's position, most Western governments urged restraint and flexibility, emphasizing the need for international coordination, while recognizing Russia’s limited options in resolving the issue.

September 8, 1961

Record of a Conversation Between N. S. Khrushchev and Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of India

In this conversation, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev discuss the urgent need for disarmament and the global threat posed by nuclear weapons. Nehru stresses the catastrophic consequences of nuclear war and advocates for international efforts to reduce tensions and promote peace. Khrushchev reaffirms the Soviet Union's commitment to peace and disarmament but defends the resumption of Soviet nuclear testing as necessary to deter Western aggression and ensure national security. The discussion also covers recent speeches by Western leaders, the ongoing arms race, and a confidential letter Khrushchev received from US diplomat John McCloy regarding disarmament negotiations, which both leaders agree merits further consideration as a potential path forward.

September 8, 1961

Record of a Conversation Between Cde. N. S. Khrushchev, Chairman of the USSR Council of Ministers, and Portes Gil, Former President of Mexico

Former Mexican President Emilio Portes Gil asks Khrushchev about Soviet domestic and foreign policy during a reception in Moscow. Khrushchev articulates the USSR's position that, while committed to peace and total disarmament under strict international oversight, they must continue nuclear testing to defend against imperialist aggression.

September 7, 1961

Memorandum of Conversation of N.S. Khrushchev with the Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru

Nikita Khrushchev and Jawaharlal Nehru discuss global disarmament, the Soviet Union's resumption of nuclear weapons testing, and the ongoing tensions surrounding Berlin. Khrushchev defends Soviet nuclear tests as a necessary response to perceived Western threats and the failure of disarmament talks, asserting that such actions are essential to safeguard the USSR and the socialist bloc. He reassures Nehru that access to West Berlin will remain unobstructed after the signing of a peace treaty with East Germany, though the legal basis would shift from occupation rights to agreements with the GDR. Both leaders emphasize their shared commitment to disarmament, but Nehru voices concerns that continued nuclear testing may derail global peace efforts and delay meaningful progress toward disarmament.

September 6, 1961

Record of the Conversation of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR N. S. Khrushchev with the Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru

Khrushchev and Nehru discuss rising global tensions, particularly surrounding the German peace treaty and the status of Berlin. Nehru expresses concerns about the resumption of Soviet nuclear tests, warning of their impact on global opinion and the risk of escalating conflict. Khrushchev defends the tests as a necessary response to Western threats and military buildup. The two leaders are later joined by Ghanaian President Nkrumah to present a collective appeal from the Belgrade Conference, urging peaceful solutions and proposing a summit between Khrushchev and Kennedy to reduce the risk of war. Khrushchev emphasizes the need for global disarmament and greater involvement from neutral nations to pressure the US toward peace, while Nehru advocates for careful diplomacy to avoid further polarization.

August 18, 1961

Draft of a Letter of N. S. Khrushchev to A. Fanfani, Prime Minister of Italy, on the Question of the Signing of a Peace Treaty with Germany, and the Status of West Berlin

Khrushchev writes to Italian Prime Minister Fanfani to reaffirm the Soviet Union’s intention to sign a peace treaty with Germany, regardless of Western opposition. He expresses hope that Western powers will join the treaty but makes clear that the USSR will proceed if they do not. Khrushchev emphasizes that access to West Berlin will remain open, while criticizing any threats of war as unreasonable and dangerous.

July 27, 1961

Continuation of a Conversation Between N. S. Khrushchev with J. McCloy, Special Assistant to the President of the US for Questions of Disarmament

Khrushchev criticizes President Kennedy’s recent speech calling for increased armament, warning that such actions escalate the risk of war. He reiterates the Soviet commitment to signing a peace treaty with Germany and outlines the USSR’s position on disarmament, emphasizing staged reductions with corresponding verification. Khrushchev also raises concerns about unequal influence within the UN and calls for greater recognition of the socialist bloc.

July 26, 1961

Record of a Conversation Between N. S. Khrushchev with J. McCloy, Special Assistant to the President of the US

Khrushchev and McCloy discuss the German peace treaty, with Khrushchev praising Eisenhower’s disarmament efforts and reaffirming the USSR’s intent to sign the treaty regardless of US opposition. They exchange views on nuclear testing, disarmament, and verification mechanisms, with both sides recognizing the challenges of inspections and trust. The conversation ends with agreement to continue talks the following day to further explore disarmament and German settlement issues.

July 8, 1961

Record of a Conversation Between N. S. Khrushchev and K. Popovic, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Concerning the Questions of Signing a Peace Treaty with Germany

Khrushchev and Popovic discuss the ongoing tensions surrounding the peace treaty with Germany and the future of West Berlin, with Khrushchev emphasizing the Soviet Union’s readiness to act if negotiations fail. They address the actions of Western powers, particularly the United States and its allies, and the risks of escalation, while acknowledging the importance of diplomacy to avoid conflict. Khrushchev also touches on the Soviet decision to suspend disarmament measures, the broader international situation, and internal developments in both the USSR and Yugoslavia.

Pagination